Turkey's energy min: Nuclear power improves diversification plan

A nuclear initiative will significantly change Turkey's energy diversification in the next 10 years, Turkey's Energy Minister Taner Yildiz said on Thursday.

During his speech at the “2015-2019 Strategic Plan Workshop” in Turkish capital Ankara, Yildiz said Turkey is strategically positioned between two worlds with 65 percent of the energy resources in the east of the country, while 65 percent of the demand is in the west.

He also emphasized the relationship between energy and economic growth in Turkey as well as the importance of using domestic energy resources.

Turkey currently relies heavily on foreign energy resources. The country will invest in nuclear power to diversify its energy resources and reduce its dependence on foreign fuel imports.

The first nuclear power plant will be built by Russia on Turkey's Mediterranean coast and is expected to be fully operational by 2023.